(A) The electronic communication systems, internet service and the computer hardware and software owned or leased by the Town of Sellersburg are to be used for business purposes only. Any message, file or information transmitted or stored on these systems is not considered private and may be seen by other individuals. Employees who use the town’s computers and network resources must protect them and the information stored on them.
(B) Software license and copyright. The town will purchase and distribute software in compliance with license and copyright law. All employees are responsible for complying with the license and copyright provisions of the software they use. Only the department head can approve the installation of software. The department head issuing the software will restrict access to only the appropriate number of licensed users. Employees must not download to their computer any software without permission from the Town Manager.
(C) Personal use. As a rule, all town property, including computers is for town use only. Personal use should be minimal and must not interfere with town business or work processes. Employees should not use town property for personal use without approval of his or her department head or the Town Manager.
(D) Internet access.
(1) The town will determine which employees will have internet access and will set up privileges accordingly. Internet access is for business needs only and is not a fringe benefit. Under no circumstances should an employee access any web site that may be offensive or otherwise contain inappropriate material. All connections to the internet must pass through the town’s firewall for security purposes.
(2) The town reserves the right to block access to specific web pages. To help protect against viruses, employees should download files from the internet only with department head approval.
(E) Electronic mail (e-mail).
(1) Electronic mail is provided to assist in conducting company business and not for personal use. All messages conveyed on either system are the property of the town and should not contain language that may be considered offensive, discriminatory, or abusive to any employee. Employees have no expectation of privacy in any e-mail messages made using town technology or directed toward town addresses. Authorizing another person or organization to use your computer accounts or the Town of Sellersburg network is strictly prohibited. Communicating or using any password, personal identification number, credit card number or other personal or financial information without the permission of its owner is prohibited.
(2) The use of the town e-mail system is primarily for business purposes only. Limited personal use of e-mail may be allowed but must be on the user’s own time and is not to interfere with his/her job responsibilities.
(Ord. 2021-OR-031, passed 11-22-21)